Du Quoin will lighten up on Street Machine Nationals participants when they return in June
The Du Quoin City Council Monday dropped the ban on downtown cruises and the ban on selling alcohol in glass bottles during the 2014 return of the Street Machine Nationals June 27-29.
Most were on good behavior during the NATS inaugural return in 2013. "One year ago we didn't know what to expect," Chief of Police Jamie Ellermeyer said. "This is a completely different event (from the 1990s)," said Mayor Rex Duncan. "It's an aging animal," added commissioner Kathy West. "We don't have to set up a war zone."
Mayor Duncan said the contingent of local, county and state police created "a wall" between the fair and Du Quoin. "We were seen as an unfriendly town," said Commissioner Yvonne Morris. To that end Du Quoin will drop all of its NATS-specific ordinances except for the "No Camping" in city limits ordinance.
The night began with deep appreciation for the work of the Du Quoin Public Library board and the library's staff. Mayor Duncan commented," Libraries ensure that human knowledge remains and signed a proclamation for National Library Week in the City of Du Quoin April 13 - 19. Board members Sarah Doerner, Larry Underwood and Josh Gross accepted the proclamation with deep appreciation.
In other action, the council gave final approval to an ordinance rezoning the Bridal Originals property on Rt. 51 for use as a construction site for the new REA Clinic.
The council approved the adoption of new Life Safety Fire Codes as presented by Fire Chief Bob Shaw.
The council enacted the creation of a property maintenance board of appeals. The three-member panel will come from the five-member zoning board.
The council updated the city's liquor ordinance to include "brew pubs" specific to the development of the St. Nicholas Hotel micro-brewery.
The council will also strengthen and enforce new "No Parking" around the Du Quoin High School. Those ordinances become effective April 28.
The council welcomed the news that the Illinois Department of Transportation will repave the north and south Rt. 51 entrances to the city this summer, which will complement the downtown Main Street paving. The city will pay a $3,910 stipend to include paving eight parking spaces around the Searby Funeral Home.
The public was reminded of the Art on Main even May 10 from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Du Quoin. There will be over 700 pieces of student art and artists may pay a $5 to hang their artwork in downtown businesses or $10 for a booth to display all of their works on Main Street.
Public works director Doug Bishop reminded everyone about grass mowing and not to throw grass clippings onto the public sidewalks and streets.
Lastly , there were complements and congratulations about the gray carpeting and wall color in the council chambers.